Master’s Degree in Secondary Education and PA 7–12 Teacher Certification

A graduate degree and certification program from the Lehigh University College of Education

Turn Your Subject Expertise into Classroom Impact

Lehigh University’s Secondary Education Master’s program with Pennsylvania 7–12 Teacher Certification prepares students to become confident, effective educators in middle and high school classrooms. Designed for college graduates with strong content knowledge in a secondary subject area, the program emphasizes evidence-based instructional practices that help teachers engage diverse learners and foster meaningful academic growth.

The degree combines rigorous graduate coursework with hands-on classroom experience, and faculty advisors work closely with students to ensure that all subject-area requirements align with Pennsylvania Department of Education standards.

During the program, students gain practical experience through a supervised practicum and culminate their studies with a full semester of student teaching, for firsthand experience in a secondary classroom. Upon program completion, graduates earn a Pennsylvania teaching credential with reciprocity in most states, opening doors to teaching opportunities across the country.

Ready to take the next step toward teaching a subject you love? Request more information to discover how Lehigh’s MEd in secondary education can help you achieve your goals.

Career

A Certification With Reach

Once teachers are certified in Pennsylvania, that certification has reciprocity in most states. Educators who have completed Lehigh’s program teach across the United States.

89%

of graduates from the program are employed, continuing education, or pursuing military or volunteer service

$57,200

average starting salary

Career Stats - MEd in Secondary Education

Certification Areas

Enrolled students can select one of eight subject-specific certification areas:

Biology
Chemistry
Earth and Space Science
General Science
Physics
English
Mathematics
Social Studies

Why Lehigh?

At Lehigh, you’ll find the right balance of academic rigor, personal support, and practical experience that sets our MEd in Secondary Education and PA 7–12 Teacher Certification program apart. With us, you’ll benefit from:

A Campus Designed for Focus and Opportunity

Nestled in Pennsylvania’s scenic Lehigh Valley, our beautiful, serene campus provides the ideal setting to step away from daily distractions and fully commit to your studies. Located just a short drive from New York City and Philadelphia, students benefit from both a peaceful environment and access to major business hubs. With the Lehigh Valley’s own rapid growth and strong university connections to leading companies, schools, and nonprofits, you truly get the best of both worlds.

A Close-Knit Community

Small class sizes, accessible faculty, and a team focused on your career development mean you won’t just be another face in the crowd. You’ll form strong connections with professors, advisors, and peers who are invested in your success.

Learning With Real-World Impact

Giving master’s candidates the tools to support middle and high school students’ learning and growth is the mission of our MEd in Secondary Education. To that end, candidates engage in coursework to become skilled practitioners in establishing effective teaching and learning environments for students with a broad range of needs.

MEd in Secondary Education and PA 7–12 Teacher Certification Admissions Requirements

Ready to apply to the program? Here’s what you need to know:

Application Deadlines

Applications for this program are due by:

July 15 for a fall start
December 15 for a spring start
May 1 for a summer start

What You Need to Apply

Completed online application
$50 non-refundable application fee
Official transcripts (unofficial transcripts are acceptable for application review)
Two letters of recommendation, from professional references or faculty at an accredited institution
Undergraduate coursework audit by content area expert in the certification area
Personal statement
Resume/CV
Demonstrated English proficiency (required for international applicants)

FAQs

When is the final deadline to apply?

The final application date depends on when you plan to start the program. For a fall start, applications are due on July 15. If you aim to begin the program in the spring, applications are due by December 15. Applications for a summer start are due no later than April 15.

When do classes start?

For the fall term, classes begin in late August. Spring classes start in late January. And summer classes begin in late May.

What format is the program offered in?

Lehigh’s Secondary Education MEd and PA 7–12 Teacher Certification program is offered part- or full-time, on-campus only.

What prerequisites need to be met to apply?

To be eligible to apply, candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree and a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0.

Please note that due to Pennsylvania Department of Education criteria, international students are not eligible for PDE certification.

How long does the degree take to complete?

Full-time students with content-area prerequisites can complete the program within 18 months

Are scholarships available?

We currently offer two scholarships. Please check out the PA Educator Tuition Scholarship and the Inspire Scholarship to learn more.